Whether you’re out and about or sat in the garden at home, chances are you’ll have been pestered by annoying little insects lately.

Even the sanctuary of your increasingly sauna-like house won’t get you away from them if you leave the door or window open.

Yes, thunderflies, also known as thrips and thunderbugs, are back and the hot, muggy weather has seen them emerge in droves, clinging to clothes and occasionally veering into your face and mouth. Ugh.

Plants can be badly affected by thunderflies

What are thunderflies?

They are an order of insects with many names including include thunderbugs, storm flies, thunderblights, and corn lice although they are officially called thrips.

Thunderflies found in the British Isles are tiny insects, just 1-2mm long, but in other parts of the world they can be up to 14 mm. They have two pairs of narrow, fringed wings, although some are wingless.

More than 6,000 species of thrips are known around the world, with more than 300 of these in Europe and only around 150 are native to Britain.

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Do they bite?

Some species can bite but they only cause minor irritation and they do not pass on any diseases.

Their biggest annoyance simply comes from their mere presence and it is best to avoid bright clothing if you want to avoid them.

There are plenty of thunderflies about in northern Lincolnshire right now

Are thunderflies classed as pests?

Yes, they cause small silver patches and black dots on the leaves of plants. Feeding thrips can also turn petals on flowers brown.

New growth can be distorted, browning and curled.

Virtually all garden plants can be affected, from ornamental species, to fruit, vegetable, and cereal crops.

Flowers and leaves of plants are most affected.

Could the appearance of thunderflies mean a change in the weather?

Thunderflies are so called because they tend to swarm just prior to thunderstorms.

They love hot and dry conditions. They don’t really fly but, with a warm breeze, they can travel from plant to plant. It is these conditions that emerge in the run-up to a storm, so that is when you’ll see them swarm.